Goa
The brilliant green of the paddy field and the tiny hamlets with white painted churches stand out against
a brilliant red soil-Goa startles, enchants and hypnotizes with its blends of East and West. This is after all
an erstwhile Portuguese colony and the colonial masters have left behind a rich cultural legacy. India's
finest beaches are in Goa. The Tomb of St Francis Xavier in Old Goa is a major Christian Pilgrimage. The
elegant Portuguese mansions resting in sleepy villages are enchanting.
Goa is a new state of India and its capital Panjim though has modern buildings but still contains the
charm of small town feel. The old buildings which impart it special pristine charm include the Idalcao
Palace, Braganza Institute, Largo da Igreja (the Main Square, dominated by the Church of Immaculate
Conception). The nearby Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a nice excursion.
Also called Valha Goa, Old Goa is the erstwhile capital of Albuquerque and the heart of Portuguese Goa.
The Tomb of St Francis Xavier inside the Basilica of Bom Jesus attracts millions of devout here annually.
Mapusa, the administrative headquarters of Bardesz talluka, boasts of St Jerome's Church, Our Lady of
Miracles and the Maruti Temple. Coconut-fringed sandy beaches dot the coastline in Bardez and Pernem
talukas, in north Goa.
Margao, the capital of Goa's most prosperous taluka- Salcete- is the second largest commercial centre
in Goa. Margao exudes the pristine colonial charm in its subtlest form. Margao usually serves as an
overnight stop for visitors who are about to hit the beaches of south Goa but the Baroque-style Church
of the Holy Spirit, and the many fine 17th-century houses are worth checking out. The famous beaches
of souther Goa are Benaulim, Varac and Colva with many luxurious beach resorts.
Goa is known for partying and festivals and fairs give opportunity to party with religious and cultural
fervor. It can be observed in the celebration of several Christian festivals in Goa with much gusto. These
include the Feast of Three Kings, Feast of our Lady of Miracles, Feast of St Anthony, and Feast of St
Francis Xavier. The largest non-religious celebration is the Carnival, marked by colorful processions
complete with floats.
Goan food is hot, making good use of the bird's -eyes chilling grown locally. The dishes show a strong
Portuguese influence, although local flavors are also apparent. The signature dish is the spicy pork
or beef Vingaloo. The Goan sausage-chorizo-is 'hot', literally. Other notable dishes include sorpotel
(Pickeled pig liver and heart) and chicken xacuit. The juice of the cashew fruit is fermented to produce
feni, the potent local brew. Goa is one place that knows how to party, where people come for their bit
of fun and sun. The best time to be here is around New Year, when the wildest parties in the country are
thrown all over Goa. It's an experience few can forget.